What is Madras without Sambar? 24/6/2016

I noticed a board in front of Madras coffee house on eldams road which said ‘idlis and pongal for breakfast, 7 to 10 a.m and sambar rice and podi idli for lunch-12 to 5 p.m’ with their cost mentioned. I went at 8o clock to have the items parceled and was told sambar would get ready in ten minutes and though it stretched to more than half an hour, the Madras staple (accompaniment) failed to make its appearance. What was more apalling was the woman incharge repeatedly saying ‘chutney is ready and some people prefer having idlis/pongal with it.’ Probably that’s the reason for a copy of Indian express being offered free to engage oneself until sambar got ready.